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Some straightening systems come with very real health risks
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The new temporary Brazilian straightening system known as escova progressiva (progressive blow-dry) in Brazil has come to North America in the last few months. The media and women with severely unruly hair have praised it for transforming locks but we do not feel that this system is safe.
The main health risk is that this type of product contains at least two per cent formaldehyde – a colorless gas that is toxic and allergenic. Mainly used in embalming as a disinfectant and temporary preservative this chemical is harsh and needs to be used in a very well ventilated area (salons do not have proper ventilation). It is a suspected human carcinogen, which means that it has been linked to cancer (especially nasal and lung cancer). It may cause headaches, difficulty breathing, and trigger or aggravate asthma if it is inhaled. Eye, nose and throat irritation can also occur. The United States Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) does have stringent formaldehyde regulations but because the Brazilian straightening systems are so new there are no regulations on the practice of applying them.
The process of application is similar to other relaxing treatments. The hair is washed, towel dried, the product is applied, hair is blow-dried and then flat ironed. The stylist who is applying these products has to wear gloves, a face mask and goggles. The client should also wear a face mask, as the fumes from the product are irritatingly strong and unpleasant – not to mention toxic. The face masks generally worn are meant for dust and do not protect against the inhalation of formaldehyde. A respirator with carbon filters would have to be worn to eliminate the risk. After the products have been applied the customer may not wash or wet their hair for four days. No styling products are to be used during that time nor are any elastic bands, clips or barrettes. The unpleasant smell lingers in the hair for as long as two days after the treatment and results last from two to three months depending on hair type and how often hair is cleaned.
These products deliver questionable results and we do not believe it worth risking your health. Other products on the market are similar and proven to straighten problem hair and they don’t contain any toxic chemicals. An example of the alternative is Rusk’s Thermal Str8 system, which delivers permanent straightening results (until hair grows out) and uses patented “processing control technology” (PCT). Ammonium thioglycolate is the active ingredient in Thermal Str8; it is non-toxic and safe to use. Don’t put yourself at risk when there are so many safe alternatives.
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For more information on formaldehyde please visit the OSHA website at www.osha.gov and to learn more about Thermal Str8 visit www.rusk1.com.
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